Rustic Meets Modern In a Montana Silo Conversion

October 2025

Article by Jennifer Miller | Photos by Nathan Satran

On the Yeley family’s sprawling 25-acre property, creativity and hands-on projects are a part of everyday life. After converting one grain silo into a chicken coop, Jeff had long envisioned transforming the second silo into a home office. Ironically, while it was one of the first projects he imagined when they purchased the property, it ended up being one of the last to be completed.

Though the property offers wide-open spaces, lush gardens, and scenic views, Jeff admits the silo has become his favorite spot. “I get to create, experiment, and design without the constraints of a traditional building or disrupting family life. It’s my space, but it’s also for the whole family.”

A SILO LIKE NO OTHER

Renovating a silo comes with unique challenges. Every decision must account for the building’s curved walls, which makes the construction process more complex than in a traditional rectangular space. One memorable challenge involved pouring concrete through a small window, inside the tight, circular interior, before making its way back out. “It was tricky, but those kinds of problem-solving moments are exactly what I love about projects like this,” Jeff says.

Most people drywall over insulation, leaving silos functional but often uniform in appearance. Jeff wanted something completely different. He envisioned a bold approach: cutting and placing stretched canvas panels over the insulation, creating a soft, textured backdrop that highlights other striking elements, including a handcrafted steel wall installation. The result is a rustic-modern aesthetic that is warm, inviting, and unique. At roughly 600 square feet with a loft, the silo feels unexpectedly open, offering a versatile and dynamic space that balances comfort, style, and creativity.

From the beginning, the space was designed to serve as a home office. As the owner of several Jimmy John’s franchises across Montana, Jeff often hosts regional managers for meetings, conducts one-on-one evaluations, and uses the space for strategic planning. Beyond work, the silo has also become a personal retreat, perfect for whiskey and cigar nights with friends or watching games on the big screen.

A SPACE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Although the silo started as Jeff’s idea, it quickly became a space that the entire family enjoys. Kristen, a court-appointed special advocate for CASA, often uses it for case report work and book clubs. The design of the silo allows the family to enjoy a private retreat while maintaining the flow of the 25-acre property. Jeff loves outdoor and hands-on projects, and the silo gave him the freedom to build something entirely of his own. Unlike other projects on the property, this one didn’t have a strict timeline, which encouraged experimentation and creativity. “I love being able to get my hands in the project, try out ideas, and make it feel personal,” he says.

A PERSONAL RETREAT ON 25 ACRES

The silo office is more than just a workspace; it’s a retreat, a hub for connection, and a testament to the Yeley family’s commitment to blending practicality with creativity. It’s a place where Jeff can dive into work projects without leaving the property, Kristen can focus on her important advocacy work, and both can host friends or colleagues in a space that is casual and refined.

For the Yeleys, this project embodies their approach to life on the property: hands-on, personal, and full of intention. The silo stands as a reminder that with imagination, a little ingenuity, and a willingness to embrace unconventional ideas, even a simple grain bin can be transformed into something extraordinary.

Whether it’s business meetings or a lively evening with friends, the silo office has become a cherished space that seamlessly blends work, family, and leisure. “It’s a labor of love,” Jeff says. “And in the end, it’s exactly the kind of space we needed, a place to create, connect, and relax without ever leaving the property.”

On the Yeley property, wide-open spaces and sprawling landscapes are a given, but it’s the silo, with its innovative design and multifunctional use, that has truly captured their hearts. It’s a space that reflects the family’s lifestyle: creative, connected, and rooted in both purpose and play.

Originally printed in the October 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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Jennifer Miller

Jennifer Miller is a mom of five who loves white mochas, outdoor adventures, traveling, and time with family and friends. She's also passionate about interior design and creating inviting, beautiful spaces.

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